Local Government News Roundup • Australia's No. 1 podcast for local government news and views

New Episode: “More monitors and misconduct, a new review and a staffing crisis,” #300

January 31, 2024February 2, 2024LG News Roundup

On the 300th episode of the Local Government News Roundup:Monitors appointed at another Victorian council;A Darebin councillor ordered to apologise and suspended for misconduct;Moyne Shire appoints an Acting CEO;The local government funding model to be reviewed in NSW;Parramatta Council revises its controversial sponsorship deal with a rugby league club;Councils fight vandalism and illegal dumping;A staff […]

NSW: IPART to review of local govt financial model

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024LG News Roundup

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is reviewing the financial model for NSW local councils, focusing on financial and operational performance, value for money, and sustainable support for community needs. They are also examining council capacity and the impact of planning and reporting systems on budget performance and transparency. Feedback is currently being sought […]

QLD: Councils reach a financial “tipping point”

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024LG News Roundup

Queensland’s Auditor General says seven of the state’s 77 councils have not yet completed last year’s financial statements, and as many as 17 are yet to conduct required cyber security training for their staff. The Courier Mail has reported on report findings that have called into question the quality of financial reporting that Auditor General […]

NSW: Parramatta Council and Eels deal revised

January 30, 2024January 31, 2024LG News Roundup

Parramatta Council has revised its funding to the Eels rugby club to $1.1m over three years, down from the original $2.4m, following public backlash over the use of ratepayers’ funds. The three-year strategic partnership was agreed in a confidential session in December, but was followed by a motion to rescind lodged by Cr Kellie Darley […]

VIC: Monitors appointed for Moonee Valley Council

January 29, 2024January 30, 2024LG News Roundup

Updated: 6.30am 30/1/24 Municipal monitors are being appointed to work with the Moonee Valley City Council to improve its understanding of its role, performance, and service to its community. The decision was detailed by the Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, today, with Philip Carruthers appointed to start today and second monitor to be announced […]

NSW: Parramatta Council to consider cancelling sponsorship deal with rugby league club

January 29, 2024January 29, 2024LG News Roundup

Parramatta City Council will hold an extraordinary meeting tonight to consider a rescission motion regarding its sponsorship deal with rugby league club, the Parramatta Eels. The three-year strategic partnership was agreed in December, but was followed by a motion to rescind lodged by Cr Kellie Darley who told the Sydney Morning Herald the deal was […]

VIC: Moyne Interim CEO to be appointed

January 29, 2024January 29, 2024LG News Roundup

Experienced local government CEO Peter Brown is expected to be appointed as Acting CEO of Moyne Shire Council tomorrow, following the resignation last week of Brett Davis. A report to the Council meeting scheduled for 30th January at 2.00 pm recommends the appointment of Mr Brown for three months from the 19th February until the […]

New Episode: “Suspension stayed, honours awarded, and political ambitions revealed”, #299

January 29, 2024January 31, 2024LG News Roundup

On the Roundup for 29th January 2024, A councillor’s suspension put on hold by VCAT;State Government claims of housing supply progress challenged by a Melbourne mayor;Local government identities recognised with Australia Day honours;NSW Councils seek rate variations to deal with financial challenges;A mayor to run for parliament, while an MP quits to run for Council;A UK […]

VIC: Report – Suspended Wyndham Councillor reinstated

January 26, 2024January 26, 2024LG News Roundup

Wyndham Councillor Jasmine Hill has reportedly resumed councillor duties pending an appeal against her suspension by a Councillor Conduct Panel. Wyndham TV reports that VCAT deemed it prejudicial for the suspension to continue before the appeal could be heard, which the Roundup understands will occur in May. Last year, a panel determined that Cr Hill […]

New Episode: “Resignations, extensions, suspension and re-election,” #298

January 26, 2024January 29, 2024LG News Roundup

Today on the Roundup for 26th January 2024,A Council CEO resigns to take up a state government post;New aged care providers appointed at a rural Victorian council;Councils make progress on textile recovery and digital transformation, but there’s been a setback on blue-green algae control;A Sydney councillor under internal investigation for allegations of drunken behaviour;Councils challenge […]